Specialist Guidance On How To Take Care Of Your Pet Dog

Specialist Guidance On How To Take Care Of Your Pet Dog

A great many people grow up with pets. If you are thinking about adopting a puppy, there are a few things you should know first. This article provides some great information about owning a dog so you will be prepared to properly care for one.

Be careful with your dog around Christmas season, many dangers are lurking just under the festive ambiance. For instance, electrical chords are typically strewn about during the holidays, and dogs often chew them, creating an electrical hazard. Dogs may be tempted to eat the decorations on the tree. They may also be tempted by the tree water, which can be toxic.

Never give your dog milk! It's not necessary for his body and he doesn't have the proper enzymes to digest it anyway. Feeding your dog cow's milk can lead to chronic diarrhea and leave him with an upset stomach, among other health problems. Stick with plain old water for a healthy and hydrated dog.

Keep your dog at a healthy weight. Plenty of dogs are overweight, and just like humans, this can lead to health issues. People tend to overfeed their dogs, and many also feed them table scraps. A dog doesn't need as many calories as most people think; talk to your vet about how much you should feed him each day, and what food is most suitable. A vet will advise you based on his size, age and lifestyle.

Offer rawhide rather than actual meat bones. Bones can fall apart and become lodged between teeth or digestive system. It has been proven that rawhide is healthy for your dogs teeth, therefore avoid giving your dog natural meat bones.

Avoid impersonating a medical professional when it comes to your dog's health. In an attempt to save money, many people try to diagnose their pet's conditions or use human treatments on various elements and that can be very dangerous to the animal. If you can't afford full vet care, tell that to the doctor and ask their advice anyway or if they could arrange a payment plan for you.

When choosing a dog for your home, don't forget to estimate the size it will be as a full grown adult. This is especially true if you have small children at home. Although a small puppy will be cute, it may grow into a large, one hundred pound dog. Do some research on the average adult size of the breeds you are considering.

When training your dog, consistency is everything. You must be consistent at all times. If your dog is not allowed to jump on people as they walk in, don't allow your dog to do it even if a person says they don't mind being jumped on. You should also make sure that everyone that's around your dog understands your rules and are consistent with them.

Make sure you have the correct dog supplies. Before bringing your dog home for the first time, be sure that you are equipped with the right supplies. Every dog needs a good sized food and water bowl, a collar and leash, toys, and a comfy place to sleep. Also, remember to purchase an identification tag immediately.

Yelling at your dog or displaying any other violent behaviors are not good options. Your dog will fear you and establishing a bond with your pet will be very hard. The best way to train your dog is to use positive reinforcement and simply say no in a firm voice when you catch your dog misbehaving.

You must learn how to introduce your dog to other dogs. Keep him on his leash during introductions so you have better control. Start with a walk by while keeping his attention on you. Then, on the next walk by, allow the dogs to sniff each other a bit. This will allow them to get to know each other without the dangers of attacks.

Groom your dog frequently. Keep them clean and reduce the amount of hair they shed by brushing them frequently. When the weather warms up, start checking them for ticks and fleas daily. Dogs generally require a few baths a year. Before you give your dog a bath, make sure to cut or comb out mats and tangles. Rinse their coat thoroughly to avoid dirt sticking to any soap residue.

Know the symptoms of dehydration in your dog, as it is a common ailment that can be dangerous. Particularly during hot dry summer months, your dog may pant excessively and experience a loss of the elasticity of his skin. If you see this, encourage him to drink water and add a little Pedialyte to rehydrate him.

Consider your dog's diet carefully. Contrary to popular opinion, the most expensive dog food is not always the best. Your vet will be able to advise you on the best dog food, taking into account your pet's health, age and breed. Diet is a great way to give your dog a longer and happier life.

Never give someone a dog as a present. Most animals that are given as gifts eventually wind up in a shelter. This is due to the fact that many people can not handle the responsibilities that come with having a pet. If someone wants a dog bad enough they should be the one to make that purchase.

If you are thinking about getting a dog, keep in mind all the training options. Owning a dog will be much easier if the animal is properly trained and obeys your commands. It may be easier to teach a puppy things, but you can also teach older dogs if you're patient.

When you're adding a puppy to your family, you need to have it around other dogs quickly so it can be more comfortable. A good way for your dog to hang out with other dogs is to take them to the dog park or even to a play date.

Begin young when setting rule for your dog. Something that is cute as a puppy won't be as cute when he or she gets bigger. Therefore, you need to take action and eliminate this bad habit immediately. If he's doing something wrong, say "no" firmly. Doing this now will prevent problems down the road.

Having read this article, you should now have an idea of what your dog should be eating. Dogs are different from humans, and must have a diet that is specialized for their body and their needs. When how long does a pet scan take eats the right kinds of food, it will be happy and healthy.